Dual display mobile communication device

Abstract

A dual display mobile device comprises a first device with a first display and a second device with a second display. The mobile device can operate as a mobile cell phone. In a closed configuration of the mobile device, the first display is exposed and the second display is hidden. In an open configuration, both displays are exposed. In a detached configuration, the second device is separated from the first device and the second device can operate as a mobile phone handset. The separated first and second device can communicate wirelessly. The detachable second device allows a user to utilize the full capabilities of the mobile phone without having to remove the second device away from the user's ear, thus preserving the privacy of a phone call. The first and second displays can interact with each other or operate independently in the open, closed or detached configurations.

1 . A mobile phone, comprising:
 a first device having a first display and a first wireless modem;   a second device having a second display and a second wireless modem, the second device operable as a handset of the mobile phone;   the first and second devices being slidably attachable to each other and releasable from each other so that in a closed configuration, the first and second devices are attached and the second display is hidden beneath the first device; in an open configuration, the first and second devices are attached and the first and second displays are both visible and function as a single integrated display; and in a detached configuration, the first and second devices are detached from one another for wireless communication there between.   
     
     
         2 . The mobile phone of  claim 1 , wherein the second device can slide both horizontally and vertically with respect to the first device to allow the first and second displays be substantially flush with each other in the open configuration. 
     
     
         3 . The mobile phone of  claim 1 , wherein the first device further comprises a cellular modem that is separate from the first wireless modem. 
     
     
         4 . The mobile phone of  claim 1 , wherein the second device further comprises an accelerometer for detecting motion of the second device. 
     
     
         5 . The mobile phone of  claim 1 , further comprising a connector for electrically connecting the first and second devices, the first and second devices operable to communicate electrically when physically connected using the connector and wirelessly when detached. 
     
     
         6 . The mobile phone of  claim 5 , wherein the connector allows the first and second devices to be recharged using a single power source. 
     
     
         7 . The mobile phone of  claim 1 , wherein the first device comprises a controller configured to monitor whether the second device is connected to or detached from the first device and for automatically switching modes of communication with the second device based on the monitoring. 
     
     
         8 . The mobile phone of  claim 1 , wherein the second device further comprises a cellular modem that is separate from the second wireless modem. 
     
     
         9 . The mobile phone of  claim 1 , wherein the first device is operable as a handset of the mobile phone. 
     
     
         10 . The mobile phone of  claim 1 , wherein in the open and closed configurations, a front surface and a back surface of the mobile phone are substantially planar. 
     
     
         11 . The mobile phone of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second displays are touch screens for receiving user input. 
     
     
         12 . A method of using a mobile phone, comprising:
 providing first and second devices as parts of the mobile phone that are releasably attachable from each other;   displaying first content on a first display of the first device;   displaying second content associated with the first content on a second display of the second device;   receiving a mobile phone call from a wireless communication network; and during the mobile phone call, wirelessly communicating between the first and second devices while simultaneously communicating with the wireless communication network.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising detecting detachment of the second device from the first device and switching a mode of communication between the first and second devices to wireless. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising operating the first and second devices to act as separate handsets during the mobile phone call. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the displaying the first and second content comprises operating the first and second displays as an integrated display. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 during the mobile phone call:
 receiving additional user input at the first display; 
 wirelessly communicating with the mobile communication network to access information responsive to the additional user input; and 
 displaying the accessed information on the first display. 
   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 determining a current location of the mobile phone;   displaying the current location of the mobile phone on a map displayed on the first display during the mobile phone call;   receiving location information associated with another party on the mobile phone call; and   displaying the location of the other party on the map.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising sliding the second device vertically and horizontally with respect to the first device so that in a closed position the second device is arranged behind the first device and in an open position the second display is flush with the first display. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising updating the second display in response to user input received at the first display. 
     
     
         20 . A method of using a mobile phone, comprising:
 displaying first content on a first display of a first device of the mobile phone with the mobile phone in a closed position;   detecting a transition of the mobile phone from a closed position to an open position wherein a second display of a second device of the mobile phone is exposed in the open position;   in response to the detection, displaying second content on the second display that is supplemental or complementary to the first content;   detecting detachment of the second device from the first device; and   hosting a phone call, wherein the first device communicates wirelessly with a mobile communication network and simultaneously communicates wirelessly with the second device such that the second device operates as a handset of the mobile phone.